Indigenous Relations

People celebrating

Photo: Waskaganish Sports Complex Project Team. We hired 100% of our workforce locally, and the site teams of specialized contractors were comprised of more than 30% local Cree workers.

Our Commitment 

Pomerleau is committed to contributing to reconciliation and the prosperity of Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge that our activities extend over the unceded traditional territories as well as treaty lands of numerous Indigenous Nations.  

Through long-lasting and impactful partnerships, we aim to foster harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples while respecting their rights, beliefs, knowledge, cultures and territories. 

Our Indigenous Relations in Numbers

20

active projects currently carried out in collaboration with First Nations

38

construction projects conducted in First Nation communities or in collaboration with them

45

First Nation communities with whom we have developed positive relationships

$18,5M

in procurement of goods or services from First Nations businesses in 2024

$110,000

in donations/sponsorships exclusively benefiting Indigenous organizations in 2024

2

majority-owned Indigenous joint ventures
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program

Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Certification

We are currently in the committed level Phase 2 of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’s Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) certification. The PAIR certification encourages us to reflect and improve our practices, ensuring better representation of Indigenous peoples across our worksites and offices.  We aim to proceed to Phase 3 by the end of 2025.

Tracy Métallic - Art

Indigenous Relations Policy

We are committed to applying Call to Action no.92 – Business and Reconciliation set out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and as such we have adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework. Our commitment to Indigenous Relations is supported by five pillars:

  • Committing to early engagement and building respectful relationships with Indigenouscommunities we work with.
  • Ensuring that Indigenous Peoples have equitable access to employment, apprenticeships as well as training and education opportunities on our projects.
  • Increasing opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate on our projects so that communities build their capacity and gain long-term sustainable benefits.
  • Providing cultural awareness training to our employees on the history and realities of Indigenous Peoples.
  • Supporting Indigenous organizations that promote education, health, and environmental protection through in-kind and financial contributions.
     

Our Leaders in Indigenous Relations

Artistic Collaborations

Our commitment to Indigenous communities goes beyond construction. We firmly believe in the importance of supporting and promoting the cultural and artistic richness of these communities, which constitutes a fundamental pillar of their identity. This is why, over the years, we have established significant collaborations with Indigenous artists, integrating their vision and expertise into meaningful projects. These artistic initiatives embody Pomerleau's values ​​and demonstrate our commitment to building lasting bridges between cultures, in a spirit of respect, dialogue, and reciprocity.

Spirit Bear from Tracey Metallic

 

 

Tracey Metallic  

In 2025, we collaborated with the web and graphic design firm ASBAN, from the W8banaki community of Odanak, to design our company Indigenous Relations policy using the artwork of Mi'gmaq artist Tracey Metallic from Listuguj. 

 

Frank Polson

In 2022, the annual syrup collection was inspired by the origins of maple sap harvesting by First Nations peoples. We were proud to collaborate with Anishinaabe-Algonquin artist Frank Polson from Long Point First Nation in Winneway. Frank  created the work "Spring Sap" specifically to illustrate our Heritage Edition. Polson is internationally renowned and stands out for his traditional Woodland style and colorful works. His work is inspired by the stories he was told as a young boy.

artwork from Frank Polson
Star Horn - Wampum

 

 

Star Horn

In 2022, we collaborated with Star Horn, a Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) artist, from Kahnawà:ke. She created 6 original pieces to illustrate Pomerleau's internal ESD newsletter. Through her works, we discover the history and reality of Indigenous Peoples. Star Horn presents her interpretation of the two-row wampum, an important symbol testifying to the respectful coexistence between two different nations.